At Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday, England defeated Pakistan by 74 runs in the opening Test of the three-match series. Ben Stokes, the visiting captain, chose to bat first after winning the toss.
A global record of 500 or more runs on a Test match’s opening day was set by England, who scored 657 runs in their first innings. Pakistan, meanwhile, responded with a respectable score of 579. Following a declaration by England at 264 for 7, Pakistan was given a target of 343 runs to reach before being bowled out for 268.
Several experts have openly praised the Three Lions setup’s gutsy approach over the past few months while it has been coached by Brendon McCullum.
However, most of that was done at home. It is reasonable to assume that England has nailed this test too with some excellence. Pakistan really served as the first Test for this bold attitude. As captain, Ben Stokes has ably guided the team.
Stokes made the audacious choice to declare with just a lead of 342 runs, establishing a true contest with all three outcomes on the line.
No interest in playing for a draw
“We wanted to come here to Pakistan and carry on with our mantra of exciting cricket. I’ve got no interest in trying to play for a draw, the dressing room has no interest in playing for a draw. Felt on this kind of wicket, almost had to entice the batsmen to play an attacking shot,” Stokes said in the aftermath of the win in Rawalpindi.
Stokes’s bold decision
Stokes also discussed some of the courageous decisions made by the management prior to the Test, such as giving Ollie Pope the gloves as Will Jacks made his Test debut alongside Liam Livingstone. All three of them had an influence as a result of the wise choice. Jacks stood out with the ball in particular, taking six wickets in the opening innings.
“Some of the things we can’t plan for is what happened to the squad before the Test. Seems a long time ago when we were running around to find players for the Test. Will Jacks getting the message three minutes before toss, and Pope getting the gloves,” he added.
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